Robin Van Persie’s stock continues to rise. The Dutchman’s form that’s brought him 6 goals in his last 5 league outings has seen his Fantasy Premier League (FPL) ownership rise dramatically, while his price has now climbed from 9.5 to 10.0 over those 5 Gameweeks. He’s on everyone’s Watchlist, part of everyone’s Wildcard plans.
Outstanding form isn’t the only factor behind his popularity. Arsenal boast a run of opponents in the coming Gameweeks that look set to provide Van Persie with ample opportunity to keep the goals, assists and FPL Bonus Points flowing at pace. A double fixture in Gameweek 27, with both Wolves and Stoke poised to arrive at the Emirates, is without doubt the main draw. However, there’s one major caveat that needs to be considered that, up until now, may have gone unnoticed.
With Arsenal about to restart their Champions League campaign with a titanic tie against Barcelona, Arsene Wenger must surely be considering his rest and rotation options – Van Persie looks to be particularly vulnerable. This directly threatens the striker’s potential for the double in Gameweek 27.
Arsenal are due to host Barcelona in the first leg of their tie on Wednesday February 16. They, like Spurs, play their tie one week earlier than United and Chelsea who face their opponents on February 22 and 23 – this could prove to be a crucial factor.
While United and Chelsea have their FA Cup tie prior to Champions League involvement, Arsenal’s clash with Barcelona falls directly in between their double Gameweek fixtures. Significantly it follows the first match, a home clash with Wolves, by 4 days. The question is then, will Wenger rest and rotate for the Wolves game with Barcelona in mind?
With Samir Nasri sidelined, we should expect the creative promptings of Cesc Fabregas to be untouchable. He may well be withdrawn early should Arsenal establish a lead, but would seem a likely starter against Wolves. The same can’t be said of Van Persie.
Wenger has viable alternatives available – Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner are straining at the leash – the former has proved himself a reliable scorer and a capable foil for Arsenal’s surges from midfield; Bendtner meanwhile has taken his recent opportunities reasonably well, a fine strike in the FA Cup win over Ipswich was particularly memorable. Chamakh has started a league game since Gameweek 20, that 2-2 draw at Wigan was also the last time Bendtner earned a starting berth. Wenger may just look to hand them an opportunity when Wolves pay a visit to kick-off Gameweek 27. At the very least we should expect one of them to impact on Van Persie’s pitch time.
So, while Van Persie continues to climb in popularity and price, those yet to place their investment should ponder the possibility that the striker faces a trip to Newcastle this weekend and could then be reduced to a cameo role against Wolves. That would leave a home clash with Stoke in Arsenal’s second Gameweek 27 fixture; following that, the Gunners currently have a blank with the trip to Spurs yet to be rescheduled.
When you consider that this could mean a possible two-and-half matches over the next 4 Gameweeks, suddenly, Van Persie’s seemingly irresistible potential takes a dent.
